Muir seeks progress on EU Exit issues including Veterinary Medicine supplies

Constructive engagement and a solutions-focused approach to EU Exit issues facing NI is crucial, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has said following meetings with Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, and other government ministers.

Minister Andrew Muir with Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for NI, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, and Katrina Godfrey, DAERA Permanent Secretary.

The Minister raised a range of issues including EU Exit and the supply of Veterinary Medicines during meetings with the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, and Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

“Brexit was always going to pose challenges, so I welcome this positive opportunity to discuss the EU Exit issues Northern Ireland is facing,” said Minister Muir.

“There are a number of key EU Exit milestones ahead, Veterinary Medicines, phase two labelling and deforestation regulations, to name but a few.  Whilst these are matters of concern ultimately for the UK Government to lead on working with the European Union, as Minister I will continue to play a constructive role advocating for relevant solutions.”

Minister Muir also welcomed a reset in UK/EU relations and said opportunities lay ahead, especially with possibility of an ambitious SPS Veterinary Agreement.

“Upon taking up office, I gave a commitment to the Assembly that I intend to uphold the law and focus upon working with others to find solutions and I intend to continue to do that whilst working with the new UK Government.

“I also outlined the importance that UK Government maintain a strong focus on EU Exit in Northern Ireland and urged regular ongoing constructive engagement with Ministers and stakeholders in Northern Ireland.”

The Minister again appealed for a bespoke Veterinary Medicines Agreement:

“I acknowledge concerns arising as the end of the grace period on 31 December 2025 approaches and urged work to advance a Veterinary Medicines Agreement with the EU is progressed apace.”

Minister Muir concluded:

“As DAERA Minister, I will continue to advocate for Northern Ireland and look forward to working with new UK Government Ministers over the time ahead as we continue to navigate EU Exit.”

Notes to editors: 

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